Comments (16)

Its me again, the reason I said that is becasue you stated that you placed 1.5' of organic gardening soil and some compost, will you be adding more soil to raise it to the 4' depth or at least 3.5', just curious; doesn't seem like enough soil. Call me Crazy, it won't be the first time! (LOL) :O)
Posted: 9:33 pm on July 23rd

Thanks to everyone for your nice comments. Here are some details about the design and construction of my raised beds. The beds are 4 ft. by 8 ft. by 2 ft. I didn't use published plans. The beds were planned on site. My husband and I built them in a weekend. I suggest two sets of tools, if you tend to argue over whose turn it is.

The beds are cheap pine, and unpainted. I did not want treated lumber (chemicals), did not paint (chemicals) and could not afford cedar or redwood. Yes, they will decompose in time and need to be replaced. We are hoping for a 5-year life span out of them, and intend to move and re-establish elsewhere at that time.

The base of the boxes were prepared in this way: we first desodded the area and then added pebbles about 6 inches deep. On top of that went 1-1/2 feet of organic gardening soil, into which we stirred compost. Then we planted. Compost was added this year before garden went in, too.

I don't change the soil annually. I add compost, leaf mulch, etc. and build up the soil "lasagna" style.
Posted: 1:11 pm on April 20th

HippoHill writes: What size are those .. they look rather deep? I lovem and I wantem .. haha
Posted: 10:01 am on March 17th

Meg_anAggieInFrisco writes: Looks great! We are finishing up 3 tonight. Just have the grids to install.

Then on to the plants!!!!! and drip system.
Posted: 4:20 pm on March 30th

sansar writes: Probably a 'duh' questions, but do you change the soil annually?
Posted: 8:49 am on March 22nd

tailgateted writes: Do you have plans for the boxes? What is the size? What type and size lumber did you use? If it is not cedar or redwood, can
you paint them to make them last longer? What size are they?
Did you use published plans that we could purchase?

Thanks tailgateted

Posted: 4:00 pm on March 14th

TheGardenGirl writes:
Those raised beds are so nice! Nicely done!
Posted: 9:52 am on March 13th

gloriasgarden writes: Those are really nice. I have raised beds too, and from experience you should sink your boxes around 4" in the ground to prevent your good soil, water and nutrients from leaching out. I don't think the plastic is necessary for the bottom since your boxes are so deep. Plus, the plastic would hinder aeration.
Happy gardening!
Gloria
Posted: 9:46 am on March 13th

meyhome writes: Looks fabulous! We just moved into a new hose and we're getting ready to do the same. How long did it take to build them? Any heplful hints?
Posted: 8:58 am on March 13th

lilvabee writes: looks good, I have 2 boxes planted outside my kitchen, so they are my "kitchen" garden boxes. One has strawberries. The other has usually lettuces, and such. Good job.
Posted: 7:16 am on March 13th

MBerger writes: looks like cedar? that's what i'd recommend since it can withstand all types of weather and water. Pine will grow mold or deteriorate. Alternatively, if money is no option and you have a wood supplier near by other than home depot you can use redwood, teak, or ipe wood. S
Posted: 6:25 pm on March 12th

LuvLee writes: They are beautiful! What type of wood is that? How deep are the beds?
Posted: 5:35 pm on March 12th

jeaneen writes: I'm curious, what is on the ground under the raised beds. It seems heavier than plastic. Great job, I'm really anxious to see them planted. Happy gardening. Jeaneen
Posted: 1:22 pm on March 12th

Kate_Frank writes: These are going to be beautiful. I can't wait to see what you plant...
Posted: 11:33 am on March 12th

ShirleyBovshow writes: Congratulations on your new veggie garden! The wood looks so nice and everything so perfect, I'm sure you can't wait to get it "dirty!"